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Posted November 11, 2012 12:25 am - Updated January 22, 2016 03:41 pm

Veterans Day: Pride of America

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IT’S GOOD that Veterans Day comes just five days after Election Day this year.

After one of the most divisive and brutal presidential elections in a long time, Americans could use an uplifting and unifying reminder of what makes the United States so exceptional in the world of nations.

Last Tuesday’s election left the political landscape in Washington largely unchanged. The nation remains divided and polarized — perhaps more than four years ago, given the bitter nature of this year’s campaigns.

Indeed, politics is a process. Elected leaders come, and leaders go. Instead, the real strength of this nation stems from spirit of the men and women who have worn this nation’s uniform. Thanks largely to their service and sacrifices across the generations, Americans today can enjoy life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

The willingness to voluntarily serve in the nation’s armed forces keeps our nation strong and safe. It’s a precious commodity that should be publicly cherished. Hence, Veterans Day.

The ceremonies and parades that will be carried out in Savannah and elsewhere across the nation hearken back nearly a century ago to the signing of the peace treaty that officially ended World War I. This occurred on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918.

The date was first commemorated in 1919 as Armistice Day, a title the holiday carried until 1954. That’s when the name of the celebration was changed to Veterans Day, in order to include veterans of all wars.

It is notable that the date marks the anniversary not of some decisive battle, but of the moment when peace calmed the guns and the killing of war. Gen. Douglas MacArthur, commander of the Southwest Pacific Theater in World War II, put it best. He once noted that, “The soldier, above all other people, prays for peace, for he must suffer and bare the deepest wounds and scars of war.”

So forget about politics today. Let today be a day for a more important pursuit — honoring those who served their country. These men and women deserve our thanks and our prayers. They do America proud.